Vicia faba 'Dreadnought'
bean (broad) 'Dreadnought'
An upright, bushy half-hardy annual grown for its edible seeds. This heritage variety broad bean has glaucous green leaves and clusters of black and white flowers, followed by slender pods to 20cm long, with seven or eight green-skinned white beans per pod
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Black | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Black | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Vicia are annuals, herbaceous perennials or climbers; leaves may be simple or divided into many small leaflets, often ending in a tendril. The yellow, purple, white or pink, pea-like flowers are produced in small clusters on the stem or in larger, upright sprays
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Does best in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, moist but well-drained soil, though most soils will produce an adequate crop. May be sown in Oct/Nov and protected overwinter with cloches, for an early harvest. Otherwise sow in February in pots in a cold greenhouse or in March/Apr outdoors. Plants may need support. See the RHS A-Z guide to vegetable cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Picking off the tender tips of the shoots can delay and reduce infestation by black bean aphid, and also improve the yield
Pests
May be susceptible to pea and bean weevil and black bean aphid. Stored seed may be susceptible to broad bean seed beetle
Diseases
May be susceptible to broad bean rust and broad bean chocolate spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.